Skip to content

Returnees

Welcome back! We're so proud of you and what you've accomplished. We have compiled information for you for both exciting opportunities and resources to help you as a returnee:

Regular events for returnees

Welcome Back reception

Returnees are welcome to join the Office of International Affairs for the Welcome Back receptions. As the office schedules these receptions they will send email invitations to all recent study abroad returnees to join for hors d'œuvres, a light program, and networking.

Photo contest

Each fall semester, the Office of International Affairs puts on the UC Merced Study Abroad Returnee Photo Contest. Past awards came with Amazon.com, UC Merced Bookstore, STA Travel, and movie theater gift certificates.

The Office of International Affairs desperately needs student photos for publications and recruitment and this is the primary method by which the office acquires them. Students who wish to enter might want to begin cultivating their photography from abroad to select their best images to share.

Study Abroad Fair

Every fall semester, UC Merced hosts the Study Abroad Fair. The event usually takes place about a month after the start of fall semester in Scholars Plaza, in front of the Kolligian Library Building or in the Conference Center Ballroom. The Office of International Affairs can often use returnees to volunteer to promote programs to students but there are often organizations there that cater to returnees for unique opportunities like the Peace Corps, the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program(me), or BUNAC (a company that arranges internships in Britain).

Once the Study Abroad Fair is scheduled, it will appear on the Study Abroad events page in September or October.

UC Davis Global Learning Conference

The Global Learning Conference was developed by the UC Davis Global Learning Hub to help study abroad returnees to start articulating the next steps. Conferences usually include sessions on how to communicate the development that occurs during study abroad for job résumés and interviews, international careers, and reflection. The Office of International Affairs recommends returnees attend the conference.

The Global Learning Conference usually takes place in the spring. More information can be found here.